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Topic Review (Newest First)

03-27-2014 07:15 PM

Sp00ks

16 years is certainly a good run. We have always had two dogs until we lost our last. We went 7 months dogless. It was killing me. All I could think about in my spare time were dogs. We talked about a different breed, then we swayed toward Malinois and eventually came right back to shepherds.

We found a wonderful breeder and she picked our pup. She chose a male which we have never owned before. He is a little over 5 months now and we are absolutely in love. He is so awesome. She did a wonderful job picking.

We went through the same wait process and followed Momma's development. The process was great and the breeder kept us up to date. I already want another so badly but i think my wife would kill me. Maybe in a couple of years we can try the rescue route again.

The wait was worth it. Hang in there.

03-27-2014 06:53 PM

wolfy dog

Wow, 16 years. Good for you and your dog. It is so hard to have to part with them.
Brace yourself for the pup. As you probably read here, it is a ton of work but so worth it and it is good that they are so cute.
You can use this time to find a good trainer, visit the classes so you can decide who you feel most comfortable with. If you are not familiar with the newer training techniques, read up on them so you are prepared by the time you take your puppy to class. A good book is "Don't Shoot the Dog" from Karen Pryor. It goes in depth on clicker training if this is something you would be interested in.
Have fun preparing for the pup!

03-27-2014 05:53 PM

Mister C

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundguy

I can say that I know exactly how you feel! I've been there a few times too many and after all these years with GSDs, I literally have to have a dog in my life. ... June is only two months away...rest up!!

thanks. I am going to need to bank some sleep before the puppy arrives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eiros

I know how you feel!! Before we adopted Warden, bf and I used to literally talk about dogs the whole time we went for our evening walks. We'd talk color, names, training, sports, everything. We got to know all the dogs in the neighborhood, their names, their people, and where they live. It was sort of sad maybe, but it kept us going until Warden came into our lives (being rehomed on Craigslist, something we also checked compulsively every night before bed, torturing ourselves for who knows what reason!?)

I talk dogs with my wife every morning and most evenings too. From walking our old girl, we know most of the dogs in the neighborhood. But there has been a changing of the guard lately--bunch of doggie friends passed away this last year and now the neighborhood is full of puppies. We are losing touch with the dog happenings quickly!

Quote:

Originally Posted by K9POPPY

Wow, I wish mine would live that long, you were really lucky. And yes, it's painful without 1- that's why I will always have 2 if possible, they are such good company for each other. Waiting for a pup does seem to take forever! Good luck for the new pup, and post lots of shots! Bob

Yes, we were very fortunate. I can't believe she almost made it to her 16th birthday, particularly with severe HD, arthritis, etc. She was such a trooper and just wanted to keep going--even to the point of readily accepting a dog cart which gave her another year of quality life.

03-27-2014 05:38 PM

K9POPPY

Wow, I wish mine would live that long, you were really lucky. And yes, it's painful without 1- that's why I will always have 2 if possible, they are such good company for each other. Waiting for a pup does seem to take forever! Good luck for the new pup, and post lots of shots! Bob

03-27-2014 03:13 PM

Eiros

I know how you feel!! Before we adopted Warden, bf and I used to literally talk about dogs the whole time we went for our evening walks. We'd talk color, names, training, sports, everything. We got to know all the dogs in the neighborhood, their names, their people, and where they live. It was sort of sad maybe, but it kept us going until Warden came into our lives (being rehomed on Craigslist, something we also checked compulsively every night before bed, torturing ourselves for who knows what reason!?)

03-27-2014 03:04 PM

Soundguy

I can say that I know exactly how you feel! I've been there a few times too many and after all these years with GSDs, I literally have to have a dog in my life. Just a year ago I was in a bad place after losing Jake unexpectedly. After I located Cas, and the closer I got to bringing him home, the empty spot started to fill and life got good again. June is only two months away...rest up!!

03-27-2014 01:51 PM

Mister C

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade

Chin up The time will fly by and you'll have your pup before you know it

Have you thought about volunteering with a local shelter or rescue? It might help and I'm sure they'd appreciate the help

Thanks Shade. Yeah, the pup will be here sooner than I think.

I have thought seriously about volunteering for a shelter and will look into that further. I don't think I could foster, however. I know myself too well. A "foster" would never be permitted to leave. I would adopt him. I rescued Maddie and that was great but want to go the breeder route this time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeeva

Michael! Awe, this is such a wonderful post!

My honest advice...enjoy the puppy free time you have because you'll have your hands full soon enough! It seems like it has been a while since you've had a puppy?!?

But yay, can't wait for you to start sharing your experiences with us too! C:

My wife says the same thing. We have never had a puppy before. I've been reading up and preparing myself. Training has changed completely since I trained Maddie 15 years ago so I have a lot to learn.

I will definitely be sharing our experiences with a new pup, then dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWP

Now I can surf GS.com and look at pics of German Shepherds guilt free! I am providing a service!

PS: I look forward to the pics and stories of you and your new pup in June.

Yes, a most welcome service. Seriously. I've taken up photography so lots of pics coming once we get the pup.

03-27-2014 01:24 PM

DWP

Thanks

Now I can surf GS.com and look at pics of German Shepherds guilt free! I am providing a service!

PS: I look forward to the pics and stories of you and your new pup in June.

03-27-2014 01:17 PM

Zeeva

Michael! Awe, this is such a wonderful post!

My honest advice...enjoy the puppy free time you have because you'll have your hands full soon enough! It seems like it has been a while since you've had a puppy?!?

But yay, can't wait for you to start sharing your experiences with us too! C:

03-27-2014 12:44 PM

Shade

Chin up The time will fly by and you'll have your pup before you know it

Have you thought about volunteering with a local shelter or rescue? It might help and I'm sure they'd appreciate the help

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